Russia vs Saudi Arabia Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2018, Match 1 in Moscow: Hosts off to dream start with 5-0 win

FT! Russia 5-0 Saudi Arabia

Here’s a quick recap of the match:

Denis Cheryshev scored twice as Russia swept aside Saudi Arabia to open their home World Cup with a 5-0 win. After a lavish opening ceremony and with President Vladimir Putin watching on, Yuri Gazinsky put Russia ahead with a header off Alexander Golovin’s cross in the 12th minute. Substitute Cheryshev, who came on for the injured Alan Dzagoev, chipped the ball over two Saudi defenders in the 43rd minute and then fired it high to goalkeeper Abdullah Al Muaiouf’s right.

Artyom Dzyuba made an instant impact off the bench to make it 3-0 in the 71st with a header off Golovin’s cross. In stoppage time, Cheryshev slammed the ball in for Russia’s fourth goal in stoppage time and Golovin made it 5-0 from a free kick. It was Russia’s first World Cup win since 2002 and ended a seven-game winless run in all matches.

FT! Russia 5-0 Saudi Arabia

Well deserved award but Alexandr Golovin with his goal and two assists could have also been a worthy winner.

The @Budweiser #ManoftheMatch is @TeamRussia's @Cheryshev! #RUSKSA #WorldCup#RUS pic.twitter.com/YIpHQuMfGr

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 14, 2018

FT! Russia 5-0 Saudi Arabia

They definitely didn’t imagine that scoreline!

Full time. Looks like Russia won pic.twitter.com/z1ByVRbY1d

— Priyansh (@Privaricate) June 14, 2018

FT! Russia 5-0 Saudi Arabia

Russia's total goals at their last three #WorldCup tournaments:

2002: 4 goals
2014: 2 goals
2018: 5 goals

This is their first game. 😅 pic.twitter.com/RMF9LQ6tT7

— Squawka (@Squawka) June 14, 2018

FT! Russia 5-0 Saudi Arabia

Fantastic start to the tournament!

5-0 - #RUS have recorded the second biggest victory by a host nation in their opening match in #WorldCup history, after Italy vs USA in 1934 (7-1). Intent. #Russia2018

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 14, 2018

FT! Russia 5-0 Saudi Arabia

This is the dream start Russia feared to imagine. But a 5-0 win on the opening day is a massive boost for a team which has not experienced similar joy on the football pitch for a long time. Saudi Arabia are shell-shocked. So are Russia, with happiness.

90+3` Golovin scores Russia’s fifth

And it just got louder. As if Golovin had not been extraordinary enough, he now places a free kick into the right corner from just outside the box.

90+1` Russia 4-0 Saudi Arabia

Denis Cheryshev has scored another really good goal. This is probably better than his first football. An outside of the boot finish off Dzyuba’s knockdown to raise the noise inside the Luzhniki a few notches.

92` Russia 4-0 Saudi Arabia

Taisir Al-Jassim becomes the first player to go into the referee’s book as Russia get a free kick right on the edge of the box.

91` Cheryshev scores a stunner!

What a goal from Denis Cheryshev! Smacks the ball from the outside of his left boot and there was nothing that Abdullah Almuaiouf​ could do to keep it out!

90` Russia 3-0 Saudi Arabia

Three minutes added on at the end of the 90.

87` Russia 3-0 Saudi Arabia

About time!

3 - #RUS have scored 3+ goals in a #WorldCup game for the first time since beating Cameroon 6-1 in 1994. Rampant. #Russia2018

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 14, 2018

86` Russia 3-0 Saudi Arabia

Debatable to be honest

Even Robbie Williams was better https://t.co/MhYJRNKLn1

— Priyansh (@Privaricate) June 14, 2018

81` Russia 3-0 Saudi Arabia

Unless there’s a miracle in store, it seems safe to say that Saudi Arabia has put in an atrocious performance. Although not a lot was expected from the Asian side to begin with, this is a result which will almost certainly sound the death knell of its World Cup campaign. With Uruguay and Egypt to come next, it will be a surprise if Saudi Arabia manages to defeat either of them.

78` Russia 3-0 Saudi Arabia

Artem Dzyuba reportedly has a testy relationship with coach Cherchesov, which contributed to Fyodor Smolov’s place in the first eleven for this World Cup. Dzyuba’s reputation for being difficult had surfaced earlier this season when Roberto Mancini exiled him at Zenit St Petersburg, forcing the striker to seek playing time on loan at Arsenal Tula.

74` Russia 3-0 Saudi Arabia

Much was expected of Aleksandr Golovin and he has delivered two assists on Russia’s big day. Golovin started the match on the left but had switched to the other wing once Kuziaev was brought on. The CSKA midfielder has been heavily involved in Russia’s attack today.

72` Russia 3-0 Saudi Arabia

The introduction of Artem Dzyuba means Russia has a tall, physical threat up front. And he scores minutes after coming on!

71` Artem Dzyuba triples Russia’s advantage!

The sub makes an immediate impact as he heads in Russia’s third goal from Golovin’s cross. Brilliant stuff!

70` Russia 2-0 Saudi Arabia

Russia make their third and final change as Artem Dzyuba replaces Fedor Smolov.

64` Russia 2-0 Saudi Arabia

The hosts make their second change as Daler Kuzyayev comes on for Aleksandr Samedov.

63` Russia 2-0 Saudi Arabia

Attacking substitution by Saudi Arabia. Fahad Al-Muwallad replaces Abdullah Otayf. The Saudis have switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation with Muwallad leading the line. Al-Sahlawi is slightly behind him.

61` Russia 2-0 Saudi Arabia

Russia’s left side of the defence was supposed to be its Achilles’ heel with Ignashevich and Zhirkov a combined age of 72 years. But Yahia Al-Shehri has had a remarkably quiet game. The old, creaky Russian defence has been able to breathe easy for the most part.

60` Russia 2-0 Saudi Arabia

Despite having superior possession, the Saudis are barely creating any chances. The Russians content with letting the Saudis keeping the ball. Meanwhile, the Saudis get ready to make a change as Fahad Al-Muwallad strips off his training kit.

55` Russia 2-0 Saudi Arabia

The first ten minutes of this half have not given any suggestion that Saudi Arabia is on its way to cut the deficit. A cross by Mohammad Alburayk goes begging across the face of the goal. Russia, by and large, sitting pretty.

52` Russia 2-0 Saudi Arabia

Alexander Samedov let flies of a rasping shot from the edge of the box. Soars over the bar.​

50` Russia 2-0 Saudi Arabia

It has been a slow start in the second half. Russia are happy to sit back and allow the Saudis to attack and trying to hit their opponents on the counter.

46` Russia 2-0 Saudi Arabia

And we’re back underway at the Luzhniki Stadium as Saudi Arabia look to fight back in the second half.

HT. Russia 2-0 Saudi Arabia

Super sub!

1 - Denis Cheryshev is the first ever substitute to score in the opening match of a #WorldCup tournament. Super. #Russia2018 #RUSKSA

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 14, 2018

HT. Russia 2-0 Saudi Arabia

Take a look at the stats at HT.

HT. Russia 2-0 Saudi Arabia

Illustrious company, I’d say. 

1 - Yuri Gazinskiy is the first player to score with the first shot on target at a #WorldCup tournament since Germany's Philipp Lahm in 2006. Accuracy. #Russia2018 pic.twitter.com/0ImvgZsOAZ

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 14, 2018

HT! Russia 2-0 Saudi Arabia

Half-time and Russia are two goals ahead. All the pre-tournament nerves have been relaxed as the host has been miles ahead of the Saudis till now.

45` Russia 2-0 Saudi Arabia

Fun fact: Cheryshev has been living in Spain since he was five and was trained by Real Madrid in his junior days. He indirectly contributed to Rafa Benitez’s sacking when he was fielded in a 2015 Copa del Rey match despite being ineligible to play.

44` Russia 2-0 Saudi Arabia

The Russian radio commentator sitting next to me is getting agitated as the home side wastes another opportunity. But he’s on his feet now as Cheryshev’s deft control allows him to slot the ball into the top corner!

43` Denis Cheryshev doubles Russia’s lead!

The Villareal man, on as a sub for Alan Dzagoev, smashes the ball into goal as Russia take a 2-0 lead!

38` Russia 1-0 Saudi Arabia

There’s a discernible lack of pace to this encounter. Saudi Arabia’s build-up play is languid at best while Russia have slowed down after coming fast out of the blocks.

36` Russia 1-0 Saudi Arabia

The Russians appeal for a penalty as Golovin goes down from a challenge from Osama. The referee is not interested as Saudi clear. Good call by the ref. It was a fair challenge from Osama.

35` Russia 1-0 Saudi Arabia

Ever since his appointment in November, Saudi Arabia coach Juan Antonio Pizzi has wanted his side to play out more information from the back. But after initial passing errors, the Saudi goalie Al-Muaiouf has resorted to direct passes.

33` Russia 1-0 Saudi Arabia

Smolov gets to the byline as Russia counter but the No 10’s attempt at an elastico  is comical to say the least. Osama nips it off his feet and Smolov proceeds to foul the Saudi defender.

28` Russia 1-0 Saudi Arabia

The Saudis get a free kick in a dangerous position on the left outside the box. Mohammed Alsahlawi swings it in but Yasser Alshahrani heads it over.

27` Russia 1-0 Saudi Arabia

Interestingly, Cheryshev is among the only two players to ply his trade outside Russia. The other member of this squad stationed abroad is third-choice goalie Vladimir Gabulov of Club Brugge.

25` Russia 1-0 Saudi Arabia

A tactical change as Cheryshev takes the left flank and Golovin moves into a central position behind the striker.

22` Russia 1-0 Saudi Arabia

Worry for Russia as Alan Dzagoev falls down in a heap. He clutched his hamstring before he collapsed. It is a major loss for Russia since he’s their creative hub, alongside Golovin. Villarreal’s Denis Cheryshev replaces Dzagoev.

19` Russia 1-0 Saudi Arabia

Saudi had barely been able to get out of their half in the first 20 minutes before left-back Al-Shahrani found some space on the flank but his cross was headed behind for a corner.

15` Russia 1-0 Saudi Arabia

Visual proof of the aforementioned handshake. 

Sick in my mouth pic.twitter.com/blz02IS9RU

— Steven Chicken (@StevenChicken) June 14, 2018

14` Russia 1-0 Saudi Arabia

We have a goal! Russia take advantage of their impressive start. Zhirkov’s corner was only half-cleared and he laid it to off to Golovin. A pinpoint cross found Iury Gazinskii’s head who has scored the first goal of this World Cup. Gazinskii was a surprise pick in the Russian squad but he has already proved Cherchesov right.

13` Russia 1-0 Saudi Arabia

As the ball went in goal, Vladimir Putin shook hands with a not-so-happy-looking Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud.

12` Iury Gazinskii gives Russia the lead!

Russia win a corner after a good move ends with Dzagoev’s shot being deflected behind for a corner. The corner is recycled and Golovin’s cross is headed into goal!

7` Russia 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Russia go on the counter with Dzagoev driving ahead on the left. The Russian No 9 switches play to the right and after some neat play, the Russians have a shot at goal only for it to be blocked by the Saudi skipper Osama.

5` Russia 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Russia have a 39-year-old Ignashevich in central defence. Samedov on the right sometimes plays as a wing-back. So he will be expected to keep the Saudis in check too.

3` Russia 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Russia have started strongly in the opening few exchanges. They win a free-kick and a corner but it’s nothing that the Saudi defence can’t handle.

Kick-off! Russia 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Referee Pitana Nestor blows his whistle and the 2018 FIFA World Cup is officially underway!

Russia vs Saudi Arabia

The Russian fans’ choreography when the national anthem was played.

Russia vs Saudi Arabia

Russian President Vladimir Putin and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino address the crowd. Putin’s speech is met by a raucous cheer from the home fans. Infantino opens his short speech in Russian and says a few words in Arabic.

Russia vs Saudi Arabia

Vladimir Putin’s arrival is accompanied with a huge cheer and waving of flags .

Russia vs Saudi Arabia. Kick-off minutes away!

The opening ceremony had about 800 people in it. Russia was keen to keep it short, so we should expect the match to start on time. As the teams walk out, loud chants of “Rossiya, Rossiya’. And of course, the seven nation army song.

Russia vs Saudi Arabia

The Luzhniki Stadium is nearly full as the organisers set up the stage for the opening ceremony.

Russia vs Saudi Arabia

2010 - The only host nation to fail to progress past the first group stage in a #WorldCup tournament were South Africa in 2010. Probability. #RUSKSA #Russia2018

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 14, 2018

Russia vs Saudi Arabia

Good omen for the Russians?

0 - No host nation has ever lost in their opening game of a World Cup tournament (W15 D6). Expectation. #RUSKSA #RUS #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Z18AiMWRaE

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 14, 2018

Russia vs Saudi Arabia

Russian coach Stanislav Cherchesov has gone with a four-man defence. Roman Zobnin will line up with Yuri Gazinsky in defensive midfield, with Fedor Smolov a lone striker, supported by the attacking midfield trio of Samedov, Dzagoev and Golovin. 38-year-old defender Sergei Ignashevich ​came out of international retirement for the World Cup.

This what they are fighting for!

This is what the 32 teams will be fighting for over the next month!

Follow our live blog as we count down to the #OpeningCeremony #WorldCup https://t.co/niF5tb8G25 pic.twitter.com/uAfATGPQKZ

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 14, 2018

Russia vs Saudi Arabia. The lineups are out!

Russia: Akinfeev; Fernandes, Kutepov, Igansevich, Zhirkov; Gazinskiy, Zobnin, Samedov, Golovin; Dzagoev, Smolov

Saudi Arabia: Al-Maiouf; Alburayk, Os.Hawsawi, Om.Hawsawi, Al-Shahrani; Otayf, Al-Dawsari, Al-Faraj, Al-Jassam; Al-Shehri, Al-Sahlawi

Russia vs Saudi Arabia, head to head

Hosts Russia enter the World Cup as the lowest-ranked of the 32 teams participating in the tournament as they sit 70th in the FIFA rankings while Saudi Arabia are three spots above in 67th.

   – Russia last progressed past the World Cup group stage in 1986, when they were part of the Soviet Union national team, while Saudi Arabia’s sole appearance in the last-16 came in 1994. Since then they have lost seven and drawn two of their matches in three World Cups.

   – Saudi Arabia won two warm-up matches before losing three in a row, the last being a 2-1 defeat by World Cup holders Germany.

   – Russia last won an international match in October 2017, when they beat South Korea 4-2 in a friendly.

 
   Previous meetings: The teams have played each other once before – in a friendly in 1993, with Saudi Arabia winning 4-2.

Russia vs Saudi Arabia

The teams have arrived at the Luzhniki Stadium!

We here 🙌#RUSKSA #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/4gJjn3fHlw

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 14, 2018

Russia vs Saudi Arabia

British pop star Robbie Williams will be performing at the World Cup opening ceremony along with a series of musical acts. Around 500 dancers, gymnasts and trampolinists will also be performing in an opening ceremony that will pay homage to all things Russian. Follow our live blog of the opening ceremony as we bring you live updates.

Hello and welcome to Firstpost’s live coverage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup opening match between hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia.